Matt Smith: Doctor Who changed my life

Outgoing Doctor Who star Matt Smith has revealed that starring in the show was life-changing – but that he has no regrets about doing it.

The actor, who is due to bow out of the role in the forthcoming Christmas episode, told the Radio Times that while being the Doctor took over his life, he wouldn’t have had it any other way.

“Everything changed. It’s all consuming – and that affects the rhythm of your life,” he admitted. “Now, however, it’s settling down a little.

“But I think if I was going to choose to spend a couple of years in anyone’s body, why not live it as the Doctor? He’s going to have more fun than almost anyone else alive.”

While he refused to elaborate further about the Christmas special and his departure from the show, he called the episode a ‘fitting send-off’ and a ‘fitting introduction’ for his replacement Peter Capaldi.

Showrunner Steven Moffat was also quick to sing the actor’s praises, saying: “You will not find anyone with a negative story about Matt.

“The producer, Marcus Wilson, gets him on set as quickly as possible because the crew literally works faster when he’s there,” he explained.

“He’s the life and soul, greeting the guest actors like the perfect host, even when he’s feeling broody, unhappy, tired or sulky.”